How to hire a finishing inspector

How to hire a finishing inspector, step by step

Here's a step-by-step finishing inspector hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a finishing inspector job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new finishing inspector
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The finishing inspector hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a finishing inspector to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a finishing inspector that fits the bill.

   The following list breaks down different types of finishing inspectors and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Finishing Inspector	Description	Hourly rate
   Finishing Inspector	Quality control inspectors examine products and materials for defects or deviations from specifications.	$12-19
   Test Operator	The job of a test operator is to test the functionality of electronic components, assemblies, units, parts, and systems in a manner consistent with standard procedures. As a test operator, you will perform a variety of duties that include working with engineers to ensure accurate procedures are being followed, perform different mechanical assembly operations, and inspecting products for the correct orientation and placement... Show more	$12-23
   Inspector General	An inspector general is responsible for doing audit reports and inspections to ensure that no possible fraud, misconduct, corruption, or power abuse in the government or private sector occurs. Their role is to monitor and inspect the agencies' effectiveness, assess possible mismanagement of a company, and improve the economy... Show more	$14-35

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Hand Tools
   • Customer Satisfaction
   • Customer Specifications
   • Process Control
   • Quality System
   • ISO
   • Centro
   • Inspection Results
   • Assembly Line
   • Visual Inspections
   • Quality Standards
   • Quality Inspection
   • Computer System
   • Quality Products

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Involve with SPC, and reading industrial x-rays of weld repair inventory control, shipping/delivery, weld repair castings.
   • Conduct dimensional and visual inspections procedures on CMM machines to ensure geometrical characteristics of the product are in specification.
   • Enter data into computer using AS400 where fabric are to be deliver, weight and cost of fabric.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your finishing inspector job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A finishing inspector can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, finishing inspectors' average salary in alabama is 49% less than in district of columbia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level finishing inspectors 35% less than senior-level finishing inspectors.
   • Certifications. A finishing inspector with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a finishing inspector's salary.

   Average finishing inspector salary

   $15.94hourly

   $33,150 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level finishing inspector salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 27, 2025

4. Writing a finishing inspector job description

   A good finishing inspector job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a finishing inspector job description:

   Finishing inspector job description example

   Production opportunities at Quad instill a sense of empowerment and possibility distinct from those at other employers. Quad's state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities include world-class automation and binding technology. Our platform gives our clients a full range of options to produce personalized marketing products. Fueled by innovative, interesting days, you'll find hard work is good work, and feel a deep sense of pride in a job well done - something shared by everyone in the community we call Quad.
   Descriptions & Qualifications - External
   
   Quad is currently hiring Essential Workers who want to make a difference - Imagine more than you have today. Your career starts here. Be greater than you thought possible and reap the rewards of your success and growth. We are in the business of developing people. Promotions are based on your performance - You are in charge of your career!
   
   Position Overview:
   
   Quad is looking for career minded employees who are interested in growing into career. On the job training will be provided. You will work on a team in the creation of various well known magazines/catalogs/newspaper inserts and other related products. Competitive General Laborer entry level compensation starts between $16.50/hr.
   
   This is your opportunity to enhance your skills working with the industry's most advanced Folding carton Packaging equipment. Plus, with a tradition of innovation, history of strength, and supportive culture behind you, your career will be primed for advancement.
   
   Job duties for this position include :
   
   
   Assist Operator with machine set up
   Stacking and Boxing product on a skid
   Keep machine and work area clean
   Pursue continued improvement to achieve maximum possible net cartons per shift / week / year
   Ensure that product output meets all applicable specifications by adhering to all process instructions and inspecting their output per instruction plans and criteria
   Follow all safety rules and use personal protective equipment (PPE) when appropriate
   Assist in a regular program of cleaning, lubrication, preventive maintenance, and maintenance on assigned equipment.
   Perform other related duties as assigned
   
   
   Qualifications
   
   
   Successful completion of all company sponsored training.
   Must be able to lift, handle, and manipulate up to 45 pounds
   Must be able to work 3p.m.-11p.m, with the opportunity to work overtime when needed (over-time paid over 40 hours per week).
   Able to tolerate prolonged standing, walking, stooping.
   Some mechanical ability
   
   
   Additional Company Information
   
   We offer excellent benefits to eligible employees, including 401(k), holidays, vacations and more.
   
   Quad is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We are committed to creating a place of belonging - a space where employees do not need to sacrifice who they are to exist and grow in our workplace. Quad does not discriminate on any unlawful basis including race, religion, color, national origin, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Quad also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories.
   
   Drug Free Workplace

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find finishing inspectors for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your finishing inspector job on Zippia to find and recruit finishing inspector candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit finishing inspectors, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new finishing inspector

   Once you've decided on a perfect finishing inspector candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new finishing inspector first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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